Homeless children in the UK
Every night in London over 6,000 homeless families have to stay temporarily in B&B accommodation. Many more families are forced to bring their children up in hostels, temporary flats and other unsuitable accommodation.
Homeless families have to live transitory and uncertain lives. They never know when they will have to move. Any community support disappears as families move from one unfamiliar neighbourhood to another.
Barnardo's works with homeless families as well as young people who are homeless or living in insecure accommodation. Our outreach teams on the streets actively look for homeless young people, offering them advice and referring them to relevant agencies. We help homeless children turn their lives around.
Read Maria's story of homelessness in London
Maria is three years old. She lives with her younger sister and parents in one room in a cheap B&B hotel. They lived in a private flat until they were evicted two years ago when the landlord sold the property.
Maria shares a bed with her parents. Her sister, Sarah, who was born while the family were homeless, sleeps in her pram. The room is very small and they don’t have anywhere to play. The family share a shower and toilet with lots of other people. They also have to share the kitchen, which is in the basement, three floors down.
Maria’s parents used to be happily married but now argue a lot and her mother is afraid that her father will leave.
How does Barnardo's help homeless families?
Over the past nine years the Barnardo's FiTA Project has provided vital support for 3,000 homeless families and over 5,000 children.
Project workers organise groups in four London boroughs which give children like Maria a safe space to play. Welfare Rights workers help families access the services they are entitled to but often denied due to the transitory lives they are forced to lead.
We also give practical help, such as getting a cot for Sarah, as well as providing emotional support.
With the project's support, Maria and her family were able to stay together and find permanent accommodation.
Read more about Barnardo's work with homeless children >>
